I am a Teacher, Just Like You

An elderly man was approached on the street by a younger man. The young man said, “Hello, Mr. Sheffield, It’s Dan Simpson; you taught me English in high school.” Long since retired and having taught thousands of students in his life, Sheffield could not place the young man’s face but engaged him in conversation. “So good to see you, Dan. I have taught so many students over the years that my memory is not as good as it once was. Tell me, what is it that you do?” Dan replied, “Mr. Sheffield, I am a teacher, just like you. In fact, you inspired me to become one.” Surprised by the recognition but delighted the young man was now a teacher, Sheffield asks Simpson to explain.

“Mr. Sheffield, one morning I was in class when I noticed another boy had placed his new watch on a counter. When no one was looking, I took the watch. When the boy returned, he realized the timepiece was gone, and immediately told the teacher that it was stolen. That teacher was you. You announced to all the students that the watch was stolen and that whoever had it should return it immediately. Of course, I was too ashamed to give it back. When no one stepped forward to return the watch, you went and closed the classroom door, telling everyone that you were going to search their pockets. You then had us line up and close our eyes, saying that you would only conduct the search if all our eyes were closed. We closed our eyes, you searched our pockets, and a few moments later, you declared, ‘I have found the watch,’ which you then returned to its owner.”

“You never mentioned to anyone who the thief was. That day was the most disgraceful of my life, and you saved me from humiliation, you protected my dignity. But what surprised me the most was that you never tried to teach me a lesson, punish me, or even reprimand me. But even though none of those things were done, I learned my lesson.”

“Mr. Sheffield, surely you must remember that incident, don’t you?”

Sheffield replies, “I do recall that a watch was stolen and that I found it in the pocket of one of my students. But Dan, I didn’t know who had the watch because while I was searching, I had my eyes closed too.”

Insight and Application

The leadership lesson in this story is about the power of empathy and compassion. Sheffield demonstrates these qualities by protecting the dignity of the young man who had stolen the watch. Instead of publicly shaming or reprimanding him, Sheffield chooses to handle the situation with understanding and discretion. By allowing people, regardless of their actions, to preserve their dignity, leaders can foster environments built on trust, respect, and loyalty.

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This is a story in the new book I’m writing, Leadership Parables, which will feature leadership lessons in highly memorable short story form. But I need your help. If you remember an anecdote that influenced the way you think about business and leadership, tell me about it. If your suggestion is selected, you will receive a copy of the book and credit as a contributor. If you would like to know when the book is released, please add your name here. And if you have an idea to share, please contact me at kurian@strategypeak.com.

Also, check out my first book, The 7 Essential Stories Charismatic Leaders Tell, click here: https://amzn.to/2PSHgmB